By Oliver Lees
Victoria’s multicultural community has been given a boost with a new digital literacy course.
The program for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Victorians will take place at the Australian Multicultural Education Services (AMES) to assist people from other countries in preparing to find further study and meaningful work.
The program was co-designed by refugees and asylum seekers with lived experience of the challenges of settling in Australia from countries including Burma, Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Venezuela.
The program includes Neten Tshering, a Bhutanese man currently living in Diggers Rest with his family, who has joined the program in order to improve his English and find secure work.
AMES chief executive Catherine Scarth said her organisation was glad to provide a vital service to the community.
“AMES is thrilled to be supporting Victoria’s multicultural community and refugees to improve their skills as well as access services, information and employment opportunities,” she said.
The program falls under the umbrella of the state government’s settlement, language and skills system.
According to the 2016 Census, Victoria’s total population has increased 10.7 per cent since 2011, with a growing number of CALD people.
Almost 50 per cent of Victorians were born overseas or born in Australia with at least one parent born overseas.
Training, Skills and Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney said the program reflects the strength of the state’s diversity.
“This is an important program that will ensure no Victorian is left behind – and that people from CALD communities have the support to improve their communication skills, enter the workforce, and live their best lives,” Ms Tierney said.
“We are committed to strengthening the skills and training sector to prepare people for the most in-demand jobs and bolster the economy as Victoria emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.”
